2022-2023 CEGA Visiting Fellow Request for Applications

Overview

The Center for Effective Global Action (CEGA) invites researchers from East Africa and Anglophone West Africa interested in developing their skills in impact evaluation and implementation science to apply for a four-month fellowship (sabbatical) at the University of California Berkeley, to be completed during Fall 2022  (August – December) or Spring 2023  (January – May) academic semester.

Eligibility

To be eligible, researchers must be a national of an East or Anglophone West African country (Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Uganda, the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon) who hold a staff or student position at a research institution, university, or other organization headquartered in one of these countries.  If currently enrolled in a PhD program outside the African continent, scholars may complete their PhD before their return. Applicants must already have a PhD or be working towards a PhD, except in the case that they are directly referred by a EASST or DIWA fellow.

Application Process

To respond to the 2022-2023 CEGA Visiting Fellowship Request for Applications (RFA), please submit the following information and documents through this Submittable portal by Monday, March 7, at 5 pm GMT:

1. Personal Statement (1 page): Please describe your personal motivations for applying to the CEGA Visiting Fellowship–of all fellowships available to you, why are you particularly interested in this program? What do you hope to accomplish during the semester and beyond?
2. Curriculum Vitae/Resume 
3. Transcript of any coursework completed within at least the last 5 years (i.e. your scores or grades from university courses). Scanned copy is acceptable.
4. Research Proposal: Not to exceed 2 pages. Refer to Appendix A “Instructions for Research Proposal” and Appendix B “Research Proposal Example” below. During the fellowship, you should work on the proposal you have submitted, unless you decide to change it (with agreement from CEGA staff and your mentor).
5. Evidence of Leave Approval from the applicant’s supervisor or department chair demonstrating support and certifying that, if the applicant is selected, he/she will be able to take a 4-month leave of absence.
6. Letters of Recommendation (2 required, 1 optional):
   1. Required: One academic letter that describes the applicant’s research capacity, quantitative skills, and qualifications for the CEGA fellowship. Please use the provided recommendation template (Appendix C).
   2. Required: One letter from a government agency or policy maker indicating the fellows past policy engagement or engagement potential.  Please use the provided recommendation template (Appendix D).
   3. If you are applying with only a master’s degree (not currently working towards a PhD), you must submit a reference letter from a former EASST or DIWA fellow to apply.  Please use the provided recommendation template (Appendix E).
   4. OPTIONAL: You may attach one working paper or publication.

Request for Applications

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Do I need to hold a PhD to apply to the CEGA Visiting fellowship?

A: No. Applicants to the CEGA Visiting Fellowship must have completed a PhD within the last 8 years, or be enrolled in a PhD program in economics, statistics, epidemiology/public health, or another social science discipline. In exceptional cases, the applicants will hold a Masters’ degree in a relevant field and have plans to pursue a PhD in the future. These cases will require a direct referral by a former EASST or DIWA fellow.

Q: I’m from a Francophone country in West Africa, am I eligible to apply?

A: No, unfortunately you are not eligible to apply. While we are trying to expand our program to more countries, we currently only accept applications from nationals of East or Anglophone West African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, Burundi, South Sudan, Uganda, the Gambia, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon).

Q: I’m from an eligible East or West African country, but am currently based in Europe/East Asia/ U.S. etc. Am I eligible to apply?

A: Yes, as long as you hold a staff or student position in an eligible East or West African country and have plans to return to the country to do research.

Q: My university/organization won’t allow me to leave for 4 months and continue being paid, will CEGA provide me with a salary?

A: No. The CEGA Visiting Fellow program will cover the costs of room and board in Berkeley, health insurance, visa fees, and roundtrip economy airfare for selected fellows. In addition, fellows will be provided a monthly stipend to cover any other expenses that may occur during the stay at UC Berkeley (local transportation, personal hygiene items, etc.).